Technology innovation and history

Doug Engelbart was the inventor of what computer accessory? The first one was made from wood.

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Speaker

• External hard drive

Answer explanation

Douglas Carl Engelbart (January 30, 1925 – July 2, 2013) was an American engineer and inventor, and an early computer and Internet pioneer.

What does "TED" stand for in the context of the popularized TED Talks and Conferences?

• Technology, Education, Design

• Treat Everyone Decently

• The Emperor's Decree

• Technology Entertainment Design

Answer explanation

TED Conferences, LLC (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an American-Canadian non-profit media organization that posts international talks online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading".

Who is considered to be The Father of Artificial Intelligence?

• John McAfee

• John McCarthy

• George Soros

• Ron Rivest

Answer explanation

John McCarthy (September 4, 1927 – October 24, 2011) was an American computer scientist and cognitive scientist. He was one of the founders of the discipline of artificial intelligence.

What year did the first iPhone launch?

• 2007

• 1999

• 2005

• 2001

Answer explanation

The iPhone referred to unofficially as the iPhone 2G, iPhone 1 or original iPhone is the first iPhone model and the first smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. After years of rumors and speculation, it was officially announced on January 9, 2007, and it was released in the United States on June 29, 2007.

What cult British TV series focused on three members of the IT department at the fictional Reynholm Industries?

• Devs

• Department Of Truth

• The IT Crowd

• Silicon Valley

Answer explanation

The IT Crowd is a British sitcom originally broadcast by Channel 4, written and directed by Graham Linehan, produced by Ash Atalla and starring Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Parkinson, and Matt Berry.

During Apple's 2017 presentation of its new line of iPhones it included their new form of biometric security and authentication under what name? Note we are looking for the actual brand name used by Apple for this feature.

• Apple ID

• Smart ID

• Face ID

• HID

Answer explanation

Face ID is a facial recognition system designed and developed by Apple Inc. for the iPhone and iPad Pro.

Initially released in November 2017 with the iPhone X, it has since been updated and introduced to several new iPhone models, and all iPad Pro models.

Kevin Mitnick is widely regarded as one of the most well-known American computer hackers, starting with his 1981 escapades stealing computer manuals from Pacific Bell. His 1982 hack of the North American Defense Command (NORAD) inspired what 1983 film featuring Matthew Broderick?

• CitizenFour

• Blackhat

• Terminator 2

• WarGames

Answer explanation

WarGames is a 1983 American science fiction techno-thriller film written by Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes and directed by John Badham.

Paul Allen, an American billionaire who passed away in 2018, was the owner of the Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Seattle Seahawks (NFL), and a part owner of the Seattle Sounders (MLS). Before entering the world of sports ownership, Allen was best known for co-founding what company?

• Microsoft

• Erste

• DELL

• Oracle

Answer explanation

Paul Gardner Allen (January 21, 1953 – October 15, 2018) was an American business magnate, computer programmer, researcher, investor, and philanthropist. He co-founded Microsoft Corporation with childhood friend Bill Gates in 1975.

Consisting of thousands of mass-produced small satellites in "low Earth orbit," what is the name of the "satellite internet constellation" that is being constructed by Elon Musk's SpaceX to provide satellite internet access? Naturally, the devices are primarily powered by solar panels.

• Boring Company

• SpaceLink

• StarX

• Starlink

Answer explanation

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to 40 countries.

What was the name of the controversial software surveillance system developed by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and used during investigations circa 2000–2002?

• PRISM

• Windows XP

• Carnivore

• FinSpy

Answer explanation

Carnivore, also called DCS1000, is a controversial software surveillance system that was developed by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI used the system to search the e-mail and other Internet activity of identified criminal suspects during investigations circa 2000–2002.